Giant Ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) Interference in Soybeans (Glycine max)

Abstract

Field experiments were established near Portageville, MO, to determine the effects of giant ragweed interference in soybeans. Threshold densities of giant ragweed that reduced soybean yield were less than two plants 9 m−1of soybean row. This density reduced soybean seed yield 46 and 50% in 1988 and 1989, respectively, after full-season interference. The critical duration of giant ragweed interference in soybeans was between 4 and 6 weeks after emergence (WAE) in 1988 and between 2 and 4 WAE in 1989. Full-season giant ragweed interference at densities of 220 000 and 360 000 plants ha−1in 1988 and 1989, respectively, resulted in almost complete soybean yield loss. Eight to 10 weeks after emergence of giant ragweed-free conditions were required to prevent soybean yield reductions.